Bruce Liedstrand, who is a former city manager of Mountain View, California shares his knowledge and experience of converting shopping centers in this podcast episode.

Bruce points to a few key issues that make conversion of a shopping center into a village center. First, the developer has to have a clear vision of what he is trying to create. This vision should be communicated clearly to the city and surrounding neighborhood. Mixed use is another key component for success of the village center. People who shop in the village center should have shorter distances to travel back to the office or home. This also will minimize traffic. Bruce recommends orienting stores outward onto the sidewalks.

Although,Bruce Liedstrand is retired, he is still active in the industry. Recently he started a blog about his urban experiences in Paris, where he lives now half of the year.

Letters from Listeners

that was really interesting, thank you for sharing

Luis Barahona

This is very timely as ULI is convening an advisory panel in Boulder in January to address Diagonal Plaza–a semi-dead shopping center at 28th and Iris. Mixed use is definitely on the table.

Michael Leccese

Thanks for the podcast Arina. Very informative. Its always nice to add resources to my urban design toolbox, Bruce’s website is just that.

James Ellingboe, ASLA

good one !

Dr. Piyush Ranjan Rout

Hey it’s pretty cool !

Jerome Fauconnet